I wanted to take a little time to highlight a great organization; actually two of them! When I was in Charlotte, my favorite patient population to take care of was the hem/onc kids. Meaning, hematology/oncology. Yep, that's kids with cancer. So unfair, yet a reality. And I just loved taking care of them. They come in frequently for spinal taps and bone marrow aspirations, so over time we'd get to know them with their families. It was from these patients that I first heard of Camp CARE. It's stands for Cancer Ain't Really the End. It's a nonprofit in Charlotte, that does monthly events plus a week long summer camp. And, it's all FREE for the kids. Each child can have one sibling also come to camp. Plus, the entire family is always welcome at the monthly events. I hate that I won't get to be closely involved anymore.
This is an awareness month for childhood cancer. And I feel the need to make a couple of things more well know. First off, the Leukemia and lymphoma society always uses a bald child in their campaigns to raise money. Yet, the majority of the money all goes to adult research. That's just wrong. Stores are always asking if I'd like to donate to St. Jude's. Now I'm sure it's a wonderful hospital, but they won't take patient's that have had previous treatment elsewhere. Again, I just think that's wrong. Hopefully someone will read this, and tell me these things have changed!!!
The other organization that I am a big fan of is Make A Wish. I've looked into becoming a volunteer for them, and hope to get that going in another year or so. I don't want to start unless I can make it a serious commitment. It's such a wonderful service they provide for children. And, it's not just children with cancer. That's a big part of who they serve, but it's not exclusive to just them.
Last summer, I got to go to Camp CARE's summer camp. I was one of five counselors in a cabin with 12 little girls. They ranged in age from 6-8. Some were in active treatment, some in remission, and some were siblings. We had an awesome cabin! It was an amazing and fulfilling week, despite being sick as a dog at 12 weeks preggo. Here are some pics from that great week!
The banner hanging.
The most EXCITING moment. The campers arriving!!!! They come on three big buses from Charlotte. It's such an emotionally charged moment. Of course, it could've been my hormones too.
Jumping off the (really really high) rope swing. Seriously, it was high. I wouldn't have done it even if I wasn't pregnant. These kids have GUTS!
Yes, they ate dessert with no hands. Yes, their faces were messy. Yes, they had a great time. Nothing a napkin couldn't handle. It was moments like this I loved the most, because the kids just got to be the type of kid they couldn't be at home.
My cabin all lined up for the big swim test.
The very first night of camp, the counselors and staff all "perform" for the campers. It's a great way to break the ice, and for them to get to see us being all silly. Kinda sets the tone for the week, ya know? Each day had a theme, and the first day was Christmas. Hence, each cabin was assigned a Christmas song to perform to. These guys below were my favorite; absolutely laugh out loud funny. They straight up performed to the Nutcracker music, and with completely straight faces.
That's right folks, there was a trapeze!!! This amazing family from Florida comes up (they are circus or either previous circus performers), and sets up their trapeze. Can you imagine??? I wanted to do it so bad, but was 12 weeks preggo with Drake. It was a no-go :-(
Of course, we had plenty of pool time. Another necessity of summer camp.
Me with some of my campers, all dressed up for the big dance. It was a highlight of the week for these girls.
Arts and crafts--summer camp just isn't complete without it!
9 comments:
Again,
this is directly from stjude.org..disproving your blog comment about non-acceptance of children currently under a physician's care
"Note: If you are a referring physician, please see our Patient Acceptance Policy.
Patient Acceptance
Acceptance is based on the patient's eligibility for an ongoing treatment study, regardless of a patient’s race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality or ability to pay. Parents who wish to have their child treated at St. Jude should have the child's physician contact us at 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833) or by e-mail referralinfo@stjude.org.
Kelli
Just wondering where you get your facts from: 1. that the "logo" for the LLS is of a child (not true)
2. that the majority of the organizations monies go to adults (also not true)
You may want to check your facts.
Also, perhaps by visiting www.lifemosaic.com (link of LLS) you will get just a sampling of those affected by LLS..here, they do the speaking for something which affects them!
Leslie
I didn't say the logo is a child. I said that they *do* use bald children in their advertising. Can you please share what percentage of their money goes to adult research, and what percentage goes to pediatric research? I'm off to go check out that website, although I much prefer personal caring bridge sites.
I am BEYOND thrilled that St. Judes will take transfers. It's so unfortunate that EVERY SINGLE patient I ever had in Charlotte, who tried to go there, never got to go. I'm going to assume now, that I simply didn't get to hear about the success stories. I certainly hope that's the case!
And for what it's worth, the only photo currently on the home page of the LLS is of a child.......
You need to check the site again! (LLS)..and you will see that there are many different age groups and genders reflected there.
LLS financial contributer, for my grandmother (whom they helped)
Let's just make something clear- I'm not saying people shouldn't give LLS money. I don't really care what others do with their money, or whom they support.
I do think that people should pay more attention when giving to charity though--know exactly where your money is going!
It's great that LLS uses many faces. But at the moment I checked it, there was only ONE face. And it was that of a child.
"St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital welcomes referrals of children and adolescents with newly diagnosed untreated or suspected cancer or with hematologic, immunologic, or genetic diseases. In addition, previously treated patients who have received treatment elsewhere, may be accepted on an individual case basis when there is a potential for protocol eligibility on ongoing studies, relapse studies, bone marrow transplantation protocols or Phase I-II studies. "
Some children start chemo within 12 hours of diagnosis. That, therefore, makes them "treated". That's why I don't agree with their policy, because then it's much harder for these kids to get in as a pt at St. Judes. What the heck is a parent to do, hold off on possible life saving chemo in *hopes* they can get their child in there? It just sucks....
I am just glad that there is the case by case review and that typically, (although it does happen)..most don't start that quickly.
Kelli
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